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Places of Interest in Sikkim
Places of Interest in Sikkim
EAST SIKKIM
Enchey Monastery :
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary
temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would
be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric
master known for his flying powers. This 200-year-old Monastery has in its
premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year
around January 'Chaam' or religious masked dance is performed with great fanfare
for two days. it is situated adjoining the Sinolchu Tourist Lodge, 3 kms from
Gangtok Town.
Permanent Flower Show :
White Hall, Close by the White Memorial Hall and just below the Palace Ridge
park is the more recent Flower Show Hall. In recent years this show has become
quite popular and famous as there are flower exhibitions throughout the year
in accordance with the seasons and the flowers in bloom.
Do-Drul Chorten ( Stupa) :
The Do-Drul Chorten or Stupa was built by the Venerable Trulshi Rimpoche,
head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. Inside this stupa,
there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba (Bajra Kilaya), a set of
Kan-gyur relics ( Holy Books), complete 'Zung'( mantras) and other religious
objects. Around this Chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in
Sikkim, are 10 Mani-Lhakor( prayer wheels). These prayer wheels are turned
by the devout Buddhist while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus",
to invoke the Buddhisattva. The Chorten is surrounded by Chorten Lakhang,
where there are two huge statues of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava).
Handloom and Handicrafts centre :
It is now known as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms as well as
the Government Institute of Cottage Industries. Started during the time of
the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft and
skills of local and village artisans, it has become on t of the major attractions
for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handlooms
carpets and other products can be viewed and also purchased . A word of caution
to the innocent guest. It is better to check whether there is a government
holiday or not as the G.I.C.I. is closed on Sundays, all government declared
holidays, second Saturdays and the odd unforeseen holidays.
Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology(SRIT) :
Formerly known as the Namgyal institute of Tibetology, after the late Chogyal
of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal whose brainchild it was, the Sikkim Research
Institute of Technology(SRIT), has since become one of the most prestigious
depository of Tibetan literature, rare manuscripts, paintings, thangkas, statues
and religious objects and other works of art and history. Today, it is a renowned
worldwide centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion.
Saramsa Garden :
About 14 kms from Gangtok is the Saramsa Garden, the home of Sikkim's most
exotic orchids and other rare tropical and temperate plants. Established and
maintained by the Department of Forest, it is an excellent recreation and
picnic spot.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre :
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra
Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects.
Since the late 1960s, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa,
the Centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures and
religious rare objects. Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the
original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet.
Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden :
Very close by to Rumtek Monastery, and maintained by the parks and Gardens
unit of the Forest Department of the Government of Sikkim, the Garden is an
enchanting and soothing experience among the lush green vegetation, rare plants
and trees and certain species of Himalayan flowers and Orchids.
Water Garden :
Water Garden at Martam Khola is on the 31-A National Highway some 16 kms.
south of Gangtok. It is an ideal spot for picnic with a small swimming pool
for children.
Tsomgo Lake :
Tsomgo lake is only 40 kms. from Gangtok town and is situated at an altitude
of 12,210 ft. The drive from Gangtok takes about 2½ hours by bus. The
lake is bout 1 km. long and oval in shape, 50ft. deep and is regarded extremely
Holy. It is also a home of Brahmini ducks besides stopover for various migratory
ducks.
Between May and August, it is possible to see variety of flowers in bloom,
including the rhododendrons, various species of primulas, blue and yellow
poppies, iris and many other species of floras. It is alson an ideal habitat
of the Red Panda and various species of birds. Open for both the Foreign and
Indian nationals. Foreign visitors have to be in a group of two or more and
have to apply for the visitors permit through a registered Travel agency.
Nathula :
56 kms from Gangtok is a 'Nathula' Pass at an altitude of 14,200 ft. bordering
between India and China in the Tibetan Plateau. It is one of the highest motorable
roads and richly covered by many varities of alpine flora and fauna. A tranquil
place to visit. Nathula is open only for Indian nationals on Wednesdays, Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays. The visitors have to get the permit to visit the place
by applying to the Tourism Department through a registered Travel Agency.
Tashi View Point :
Built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, it is situated 4 km from
Gangtok town from where one can have a clear view of opposite hills, besides
Mt. Kanchandzonga. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic
Mt. Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills.
Ganesh Tok :
It is a very small temple of Ganesh, a God worshipped by Hindus. It is on
a hillock on Gangtok-Nathula Road. A Sikkim Government nursery is just nearby.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre :
It is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence
Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the
blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery
of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is located on a beautiful
hill-top just 5 kms away from Gangtok Sikkim.
WEST SIKKIM
Pemayangtse Monastery:
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the State. Orginally
established by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the revered Lamas to have performed the
consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal ( Religious Monarch) of Sikkim. This
ancient monastery belongs to the Nyingma Buddhism and has been considered as
one of the premier monasteries in the State, having been entrusted with the
task to perform all religious functions of the erstwhile monarch. The Monastery,
located on a hill top at an altitude of 6840 ft. commands a magnificent panoramic
view of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding hills and country-side.
Rabdentse Ruins:
This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom
and till the year 1814 AD, the Kings of Sikkim had ruled the State from this
place. Today, the ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance
from the Pemayangtse Monastery. The scenic view from the top of the ruins
scanning across the deep valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga ranges
is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
Sanga-Choling Monastery:
This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemayangtse
Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be the oldest monasteries
in Sikkim. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be prepared to spend
at least 40 nminutes walking up the steep hilly slope which leads through
rich forest covers.
Khecheopalri Lake:
Khecheopalri Lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim both
by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest
cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float
on the lake surface. There is a motorable road from Pemayangtse right up to
the lake area.
For those interested in spending a night or two in the peaceful environment
a trekker's hut has been provided by the Tourism Department. The hut is presently
managed by a local person and provides comfortable stay providing a taste of
local Sikkimese -Nepalese cusines.There is also a pilgrim's hut, managed by
Tourism Department, which is meant to provide accomodation to the people who
come on pilgrimage tours.
Yuksam:
This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records,
the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in the 1641 AD
by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still
intact in Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot print of
the Head Lama on the stone. Since the history of Sikkim began from this place,
these areas are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksam is served
by all weather road from Pemayangtse, which is at a distance of 32 kms from
Yuksam. The trek to Dzongri and to the base camo of the famous Mt. Khangchen-Dzonga
begins here.
Tashiding Monastery:
This monastery is constructed on top of a heart shaped hill with the back
drop of the sacred Mt. Khang-chen-Dzonga. Acoording to Buddhist scriptures,
Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in the
8th century AD from the spot. The monastery, however, was built in the 18th
Century AD by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed
the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy chorten known as 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol'
which literally means 'Saviours by mere sight'. It is believed that the mere
act of beholding it is supposed to wash away all he sins of the devotee. Another
important feature in tashiding is the sacred water festival popularly knwon
as 'Bhumchu'. It is a religious tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only.
Every year, on 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar Month, the Bhumchu Ceremony
is celebrated with devotees coming from far and near to get the blessing of
the holy water.
Varsey:
It lies at an elevation of 10,000 ft. and has a motorable road access upto
Hilley. An easy 4 kms trek from there takes one up to the Varsey Rhododendron
Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng or Dentam in West Sikkim. The place
provides a magnificent view of the mountains. Visitors can halt at 'Guras
Kunj' trekkers' hut.
Soreng:
Soreng is a picturesque village with beautiful landsacpe which is about 3 hrs.
drive from pelling and 4 hrs. drive from Melli. A trek to Jhandi Danra from
Soreng is a must to see the various species of flowers and birds. Hotels and
lodges are available for accomodation.
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